“Fjord Norway is not merely a place. It’s an experience. The sound of the blue glacier. That view that suddenly appears at a bend in the road. The smell of a waterfall. The silence of a beach in the morning. The evening sun reflected off the green fjord. A million moments. Each region in Fjord Norway offers a unique set of sights and attractions”
“Fjord’ is a Norwegian word, an ancient Viking term related to the phrase for ‘crossing point’ (der man ferder over) and the word ‘ferry’ (ferje)”
- There’s almost 1200 Fjords
- Mainland coastline (with fjords and bays): 28,953 kms
- Island coastline: 71,963 kms
- Total coastline (mainland and islands): 100,915 kms
- Number of islands: 239,057
New tour for 2024 as a shorter option of our traditional, longer duration ‘Midnight Sun’ tour.
This tour is designed to take in as much of Norways’ stunning scenery as possible along, across and around the world’s most famous fjords; without the long haul north and back. Strategically based in two hotels (for six of the eleven night) at idllyic locations, it’s designed with flexibility and leisure in mind and offers participants as much OR as little top quality motorcycling as they wish. The itinerary allows for cruising fjords by ferry and many other outdoor activities. Some highlights include the seemingly endless Fjordlands, Atlantic Road / Highway, Trollstigen, Geiranger Fjord, Scandinavia’s highest road, Europes largest? glacier, pristine road surfaces, stunning mountains, postcard vistas galore and much, much more. Amazing scenery and little traffic on beautiful roads make this motorcycle tour extra special. Norway’s coastal line marks one of the longest and most beautiful in the world. The reason for this is the famous fjords – sea arms which can reach inland for up to 200 kms.
Why does it appeal so much to us? It’s the vast, sparsely populated landscapes and that sense of adventure through barren and harsh landscapes / environments. Riding empty roads along rugged coastline we ride the Atlantic Road / Highway and the magnificent Fjordlands of Southern Norway.
Our base at Oslo Gardermoen Airport is a perfect starting location for a tour of the Norwegian Fjordlands cutting out the long haul to / from Ireland – a journey that takes 3 days of intense motorcycling and a number of ferries at a very minimum.
Key Information
More Information
Date | From | To |
21/07/2024 | Ireland | Oslo |
22/07/2024 | Oslo | Sogndal |
23/07/2024 | Sogndal | Valldal |
24/07/2024 | Valldal | Valldal |
25/07/2024 | Valldal | Valldal |
26/07/2024 | Valldal | Forde |
27/07/2024 | Forde | Voss |
28/07/2024 | Voss | Voss |
29/07/2024 | Voss | Voss |
30/07/2024 | Voss | Vradal |
31/07/2024 | Vradal | Oslo |
01/08/2024 | Oslo | Ireland |
Included:
- Return transport of your motorcycle from our base in Gorey, Co. Wexford to Oslo Gardermoen Airport with option to join the tour without transport element.
- B&B accommodation in quality 3-5 star hotels. Please note that in some more remote regions we may be using carefully selected guesthouses / accommodation or best available in the area. All accommodation is carefully selected considering quality, location, amenities and character.
- Tour guide(s)
- Detailed daily routes / itinerary etc. allowing some self-guiding if preferred.
Not Included
- Any travel costs to get to the start and from the finish point for the tour.
- Lunches / Evening Meals
- Entry to Visitor Centres (optional)
- Personal travel, accident and medical insurance (covering matters such as medical expenses, repatriation, cancellation, curtailment, loss or damage to property)
- Motorcycle insurance cover, motorcycle breakdown cover or recovery costs.
- Entrance fees to sights and parks, optional local excursions or local activities, (except where stated)
- Lunches or snacks (except where stated). Any meals whilst on board ferries. Evening meals on rest/optional ride out days.
- Personal spending money, tips, souvenirs or other extras.
- Personal documentation (eg visas, passport), vaccinations, personal taxes, border crossing fees, motorcycle documentation
- Costs of motorcycle repair (parts, labour or other related costs), tyres
- Fuel, oil & other motorcycle consumables
- Toll road fees, traffic fines or other charges relating to breach of the law
- Any other item not specifically included in the price.
As with all our guided tours we carefully select very good standard 3 – 5* hotels. Over the years we have built up a vast selection of tried and tested hotels around the world and we select hotels for their character and service rather than just on their star rating. Hotel standards vary all over the world and a 4* in Africa or South America is not always the same as in Western Europe. In some more remote locations, we may use equivalent 3* hotels or the best available in the area, which could be a more family run establishment, with local character.
re trip we provide you with Tour Specific Information that gives you detailed information about how to prepare and plan your tour, and what to expect when on tour. These are a few FAQ that many people have. If you have any further queries or concerns please do not hesitate to contact us.
What are the roads and driving like?
Road conditions, surfaces and driving standards in Nordic countries are among the best in the world. This tours itinerary involves some relatively large daily distances for the first 4-5 days of circa 500-550 km but it should be noted that these are easily achieved considering the infrastructure. After the first 4-5 days our daily distances decrease significantly to circa 300 km average per driving day to allow us experience as much of Norway’s stunning Atlantic Coast as possible.
What bike is suitable to bring?
Generally speaking we recommend adventure or touring style motorcycles as the most suitable. However, sport-touring and cruiser motorcycles may also be suitable subject to you being comfortable riding it for the distance / duration of the tour and considering the road conditions as described above.
What riding experience do I need?
Generally speaking we recommend all participants to be experienced tourers in Europe and/or beyond. Obviously, some destinations are easier than others, as classified by our difficulty ratings, and should you have concerns please do not hesitate to contact us. It is your responsibility to ensure your motorcycling skills are up to the requirements for this tour. Obviously advanced riding skills increase enjoyment factor and reduce risk.
Do I have to ride in a group?
No! We do not make you ride in convoy and we offer you the freedom to decide how you would like to ride. However, we find most people prefer to ride with the group without the need to navigate. We use either the ‘drop off’ or ‘buddy’ systems when group riding (depending on country and complexity of navigation); these are tried and tested systems of group riding and allow riders to ride at their own pace. Full details are provided at pre-trip briefings. Daily departure times are set every evening for the following morning depending on the days route and points of interest. If you prefer to ride on your own, we provide you with a map and route cards with recommendations for lunch or coffee stops and hotel information. We offer a very flexible approach with an emphasis on maximum enjoyment.
Is this ride suitable for a passenger?
Yes. Pillion passengers should be experienced tourers / travellers.
What is the average group size?
Our groups are normally between 8 – 14 riders (some riders will have passengers). Most riders are from the Ireland, but we do also have overseas riders who may take part. From time to time we may split into smaller groups depending on itinerary.
What documents do I need?
You will need your original documents as follows:
- Passport and Driving Licence. Passengers only need their passport. As a general rule, passports should be valid for at least 6 months after the end of the tour; however, this may be shorter in some European countries.
- If you are bringing your own motorcycle, you will also need your motorcycle registration document (RF101 / log book) and your motorcycle insurance.
- In addition, you must have valid travel/medical insurance.
- Visas as required. Please ensure that you are fully aware of all passport and visa requirements and that you allow adequate time to obtain them.
- We recommend an international driving permit available from: https://www.theaa.com/driving-advice/driving-abroad/idp Whilst driving permits are not always accepted or demanded they are handy to have!
What will the weather be like?
Depending on season / time of year we will advise expected weather conditions in the pre-trip information and also suggest the most suitable gear based on our experience. It is imperative that tour participants have suitably adequate gear. Please note our tour calendar is carefully planned taking into account the most suitable seasons / local weather for the destination. However, as much as we would like, we cannot always guarantee the best weather. Particularly considering the un-predictable climates the world has been experiencing.
What about my health when I am abroad?
You need to be physically fit and healthy and also take the necessary health precautions. It is essential for you to consult your doctor or travel clinic for up-to-date medical travel information prior of travel, particularly if you have a pre-existing medical condition. Please ensure that you are fully aware of all official travel advice, local customs, current affairs, travel requirements and medical/travel advice. Please check with your GP regarding recommended inoculations.
Do I need Travel / Medical Insurance?
It is a condition of you travelling with us that you are adequately insured. Your insurance policy must cover you for the costs of any medical expenses, medical treatment or repatriation needed, due to injury or illness on this trip, including those that occur whilst motorcycle touring, either as the rider or a passenger. It is important that your insurance company understands that the main purpose of your trip is motorcycle touring, using your own large capacity cc motorcycle or a rental motorcycle. Your insurance must cover you for the full duration of the trip and for all countries we travel through.
In addition, we strongly recommend that your insurance policy has cover for loss or damage to your personal belongings, delay at your outward or homeward point of departure, personal liability, overseas legal expenses and cancellation and curtailment. We do not refund your deposit simply because you failed to take out insurance in sufficient time. Some travel insurance policies do not cover motorcycle travel over a certain cc or for a prolonged duration.
Minimum Numbers
We require a minimum number of 8 riders on this tour. If we do not have this number of bookings, then we reserve the right to cancel the tour.
Booking:
- Overlanders may accept a booking online, via telephone or by email. To confirm a booking a deposit is required – once the deposit is received the booking is confirmed.
Payments & Fees:
- A deposit is required at time of booking.
- Guided tours – 50% required at least 60 days prior to the shipment / travel date.
- All payments must be made in full at least 30 days prior to the shipment / travel date.
Cancellation/Amendments/Refund Policy:
- Please note that all payments and deposits are non refundable nor transferrable if cancellation accrues within one month before the shipment / tour date.
- Where possible we will try to accommodate any amendments you wish to make.
- In the event of curtailment no refunds shall be made.
- Refunds may be processed via the original method of payment, except for cash transactions where refunds will be provided by cheque.
Preparation for Shipping (if applicable)
- All rider/pillion gear including boots and helmets should be packed into a kit/sports bag and labelled with the owners name, bike make/model and registration. One kit bag permitted per person.
- Please note loose items or items tied onto the motorcycle will not be transported.
- Bin liners, rubbish bags, cardboard boxes etc are not acceptable.
- Motorcycles should be in a clean and presentable condition both for outbound and return shipments. If your motorcycle is considerably dirty post trip please wash it before returning it.
- All Luggage (hard and soft panniers) should be left unlocked and removable from the motorcycle if necessary for transport purposes.
- Alarms should be switched off or in “Ferry” mode for transport purposes.
- Fuel level should be kept relatively low. All our depots are within a few km of fuel stations.
- Keys for both the motorcycle and luggage should be left with the motorcycle.
- At handover we will require a signed customs declaration form and a photocopy of the registration document / log book stapled together. Customs declaration from will be emailed pre-shipment. These should only be handed over in hard copy at time of delivery.
- Do not email copies in advance.
- We will not accept original copies of registration documents/log books.